5 Tips For Avoiding A Cesarean

The number of cesareans done in the U.S. are rising fast and currently far too many are performed each year....

The number of cesareans done in the U.S. are rising fast and currently far too many are performed each year. A surgical delivery is sometimes inevitable, but in no way should c-sections be as common as they are here in the U.S. Marilyn Curl, President of Lamaze International, says, “The number of cesareans performed in the U.S. can give the false impression that this surgery carries no risks." But, c-section births do come with many medical risks such as breastfeeding difficulties, breathing problems, hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit and increased risk of fatality for babies and c-sections can lead to dangerous bleeding, infection, blood clots and complications in future pregnancies for mothers. Luckily you can reduce your risk of having to have a c-section, by following these tips offered by Lamaze International: 1. Choose a maternity care provider and birth setting with low cesarean rates. It's hard to know which health care providers will have the lowest cesarean rates without asking, so go ahead and ask. Keep in mid that the World Health Organization (WHO) says the optimal cesarean section rates for any provider or location should be around 5% to 10%. That said, look for a location and a provider that both have very low c-section rates.

2. Be skeptical of justifications for a cesarean that are not based on research.

"Many women are advised to have a cesarean section for reasons that are not supported by medical research. They may be told they are too overweight, too short or too old for vaginal delivery. Others are pushed to have a cesarean because their due date has passed, they have low amniotic fluid, they are making slow progress in labor or they had a cesarean in their prior delivery. All of these justifications merit more research or questioning. Mothers should be prepared to ask what their options are. Questions like “Can we wait a little longer?”, “Is my baby in any immediate danger?” and “What are the risks of proceeding with surgery versus without it?” can help facilitate informed decision-making."

3. Let labor start on its own. Research shows that labor induction can nearly doubles your risk of having cesarean surgery. A natural start to labor is way better and safer for you and your baby in most cases.

4. Arrange for a skilled labor support person to be by your side. One of the best way to lower all intervention rates is to have professional, quality one-on-one labor support. Nurses who are already working in your birth location don't count, because they have other patients too. What you want is your own trained labor support person, such as a birth doula. A doula or other pro labor coach can help decrease the chances of you requesting pain medication and, ultimately, undergoing a cesarean, according to medical research.

5. Take a childbirth education course. According to Lamaze International, "Lamaze certified childbirth educators help mothers understand their options and what to expect during labor and birth. [Incorporating] the best and most current scientific research into classes.” To find Lamaze classes in your area, visit www.lamaze.org. Of course, Lamaze isn't your only childbirth class option.Check out the choices below...